As Easter approaches, many families in the UK are preparing for a long weekend filled with festivities and relaxation. However, if you're planning to visit your local supermarket during this time, you might encounter some unexpected changes in opening hours due to bank holiday regulations.
Under UK law, all large supermarkets are mandated to close on Easter Sunday, which falls on April 20, 2025, as well as on Christmas Day. This means that shoppers will have to navigate a mix of opening hours across various supermarket chains during the Easter weekend.
To help you plan your shopping trips, here's a round-up of the opening hours for major UK supermarkets:
Aldi: On Good Friday (April 18, 2025), Aldi will be open from 8am to 10pm, and on Saturday (April 19, 2025), the hours remain the same. However, all Aldi stores will be closed on Easter Sunday, with a return to service on Easter Monday (April 21, 2025) from 8am to 8pm.
Asda: Asda's hours mirror those of Aldi, with Good Friday operating from 7am to 10pm and Saturday from 7am to 10pm. Like Aldi, Asda will also be closed on Easter Sunday and will reopen on Easter Monday from 7am to 10pm.
Co-op: Most Co-op stores will operate as usual over the weekend. However, large Co-op locations (those over 280 square meters) in England and Wales will close on Easter Sunday, while larger stores in Scotland will remain open.
Iceland: Iceland will be open on Good Friday, Saturday, and Easter Monday, but all stores will close on Easter Sunday.
Lidl: Lidl will maintain its regular hours on Good Friday and Saturday, but all stores will be closed on Easter Sunday. On Easter Monday, stores inside the M25 will be open from 8am to 10pm, while those outside will operate from 8am to 8pm.
Morrisons: Morrisons will be open from 7am to 10pm on Good Friday and will operate normally on Saturday. However, all Morrisons locations in England and Wales will be closed on Easter Sunday, while stores in Scotland will remain open. On Easter Monday, the hours will be from 7am to 8pm.
Sainsbury's: Sainsbury's will open from 7am to 10pm on Good Friday and Saturday, but like many others, it will close on Easter Sunday. In Scotland, stores will open in accordance with Sunday trading hours, and on Easter Monday, hours will be from 8am to 8pm.
Tesco: Tesco will have most large stores open from 6am to 10pm on Good Friday and will operate as usual on Saturday. However, large stores will be closed on Easter Sunday, although Express stores will be open with varying hours. Tesco will resume regular hours on Easter Monday, from 8am to 6pm.
Waitrose: Waitrose will be open from 8am to 8pm on Good Friday and will operate normal hours on Saturday. Most branches will close on Easter Sunday, but some smaller locations may remain open. On Easter Monday, the hours will be from 8am to 8pm.
While these hours provide a general guideline, it’s always best to check with your local store for specific opening times, especially given the variations across different regions and store sizes.
In addition to the practicalities of shopping over the Easter weekend, Morrisons has also captured the attention of parents with its latest Easter offering. The supermarket is selling a giant plush bunny for just £5, which has become a hot item among shoppers. The large grey bunny, featuring a charming gingham design on its ears, is being marketed as the perfect Easter gift for children.
One enthusiastic shopper shared their experience on the Facebook group Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK, stating, "Massive bunny's reduced to £5 at Morrisons." They even added two Milky Bar eggs at the feet of each bunny they purchased, highlighting how this adorable gift can be paired with sweet treats for a delightful surprise.
The bunny has garnered significant attention, with many parents expressing their desire to secure one for their kids. One customer uploaded a picture of their new bunny sitting on their sofa, while another shared a photo of their dog snuggled up next to it. Comments in the Facebook group have included sentiments like, "These are cute," and "Had quite a few in my Morrisons," indicating a strong demand for this plush toy.
Morrisons is not stopping there; they are also offering light-up Easter decorations at a reduced price of £5, down from £20. Shoppers can choose between an inflatable Easter bunny or a spring chicken, both adorned with cute bows. Customers have praised these decorations, with one shopper from Suffolk stating, "I've got 3 plugged in outside mine and barely notice the difference and I have them on between 7am and 9pm every day." This indicates that not only are these decorations festive, but they are also energy-efficient.
As families prepare for the Easter holiday, it’s clear that Morrisons is not just a place for groceries but also a hub for festive gifts and decorations. With the combination of unique products and varying opening hours, shoppers will undoubtedly have plenty of options to make their Easter celebrations special.
Whether you’re planning to grab that giant bunny or simply need to stock up on essentials, understanding the supermarket opening hours will help ensure a smooth shopping experience over the Easter weekend. Don’t forget to check your local store’s hours to avoid any surprises!
